(file photo)

By Susan McNeil

PA city workers ready to strike

City of P.A. inside workers ready to strike

Jul 18, 2023 | 12:20 PM

The City of Prince Albert inside workers have voted 79 per cent in favour of job action, including withdrawing all services after working without a contract since 2021.

CUPE 882, which represents the inside workers for the city, voted on June 26 in favour of job action and said a recent offer from the city would reduce their purchasing power.

“Our members are being ignored,” said Tammy Vermette, president of CUPE 882. “Municipalities across the province have been able to reach fair agreements that recognize the crushing cost-of-living, and still, the City of Prince Albert refuses to keep our pay on pace with inflation.”

The union pointed out that the mayor and city council have had a 20 per cent increase in pay between 2016 and 2021, double the rate union members received.

The union said the last two offers would have resulted in their members losing 2.65 per cent of their purchasing power.

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“Our members work tirelessly to deliver Prince Albert’s municipal services. The city needs to understand the city works because we do,” said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “The City of Prince Albert needs to stop ignoring the key role that our members play in providing safe and timely municipal services and offer them a fair deal so they can continue to serve their community with pride.”

The union did not give details as to the actual increase offered and notice will be given before workers walk off the job.

The City of Prince Albert was not immediately available for comment.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com